Psoriasis

What is Psoriasis ?

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease which is seen as patches which are silvery-white on reddish inflammatory skin. These silvery scales are the dead skin cells which fall off on its own or on scratching. Psoriasis is pronounced as ‘soriasis’ and it is noticed on the extensor areas of the joints such as outside of elbows and knees, on bony surfaces, and followed by spread to other parts of the body.

What causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is supposed to be an autoimmune disease with its impression majorly on the skin. Autoimmunity in patients with Psoriasis causes the body defense to act against its own normal mechanism and as a result there is improper immune reaction which leads to rapid growth and death of skin cells represented in the form of silvery-white skin flakes.

Other that autoimmune mechanism, Psoriasis is observed to be caused due to genetic and hereditary factors but the exact cause is yet to be known to the medical science.

It is to be noticed that Psoriasis is triggered in compromised autoimmune patients by factors such as anxiety, mental trauma, fevers, physical injury etc.

What are the symptoms of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is easily identifiable by the presence of silvery white scales which are dry and fall off . They are well-defined eruptions over the reddish base of the skin raised above the surface of the skin.

As such, psoriasis does not cause itching but some patients complain of itching whenever there is mental stress and lichenification.

There are certain features unique to Psoriasis eruptions such as :

Candle-grease sign (Tache de bouge) : On scratching the psoriatic eruption with a pointed tool, a candle-grease-like scale is seen.

Auspitz sign : On complete removal of psoriatic scale, a pinpoint bleeding is produced which is called as Auspitz sign.

Koebner’s phenomenon : When scratched during the active phase of Psoriasis, lesions may develop along the scratch lines which is called famously as Koebner’s phenomenon.

What are the areas affected in Psoriasis?

Typically, Psoriasis is distributed on the extensor surfaces such as the back of elbows, front of knees, the lower part of the back of the trunk, etc. The scalp is involved in almost all the types of Psoriasis. The nails, the palms, and the soles may also get affected. Very rarely, mucous membranes may get involved.

What are the types of Psoriasis ?

There are many types of Psoriasis and prominent among them are 5 major types :

Plaque Psoriasis:

It is one of the most common types of Psoriasis which affects the skin areas of back of elbows, front of knees , scalp and low back in the form of dry , red raised eruptions with silvery-white scales in broad areas.

Guttate Psoriasis:

Another common type of Psoriasis see mostly in young adults and children. Psoriatic patches appear on the arms, legs and trunk.

Inverse Psoriasis:

This type of Psoriasis can be seen in the armpits, in the groin, under the breasts in skin-folds of other areas such as genitals and buttocks. Psoriasis appears as bright-red, shiny and smooth.

Pustular Psoriasis:

Though Pustular Psoriasis is a type which is rarely seen but it is worth mentioning due to the severity of the disease. It is mostly seen in adults as pustules located in palms and soles and even sometimes covers major parts of the body.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis :

This type of Psoriasis appears as reddish with scales in thin sheets. Erythrodermic Psoriasis affects larger surfaces of the body and it more inflammatory in nature rather than keratinized.

What are the complications of Psoriasis?

Any disease when left untreated or undiagnosed can change its course and start affecting in different ways which are called as complications. Psoriasis is a very disturbing disease socially and emotionally. There is sudden remission and intermission which puzzles the patients with Psoriasis. Most of the times, Psoriasis complicates into arthritis causing joint pains and stiffness known as Psoriatic Arthritis.

In some patients, Psoriasis intermingles with eczema and more exfoliation ensues causing severe itching and even infection upon scratching.

What is the treatment for Psoriasis ?

The treatment of Psoriasis is not found in conventional medicine or modern medicine and the patients with Psoriasis are subjected to different levels of disappointments after they consult many doctors. In such a scenario, it is to be noted that homeopathy has specific effective medicines for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis which completely cures Psoriasis and also prevents recurrence.

The patients with Psoriasis should follow the instructions of homeopathic doctor with regards to long-term duration of treatment required for complete cure of Psoriasis. They should follow the diet and regimen specified by the homeopathic physician for the speedy recovery and control of Psoriasis.

Homeopathic medicines do not cause side-effects, they are safe-to-use, they are non-toxic and non-addictive. It is also worth mentioning that homeopathic treatment can be taken from the comfort of home or office and the need of hospitalization does not arise even when there is severe Psoriatic Arthritis.

Thus, it can be said that homeopathic treatment is the best treatment for Psoriasis and a boon for the patients with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.

**Results may vary from patient to patient

Frequently Asked Qustions

How do you get psoriasis of the skin?

As underlying cells reach the skin's surface and die, their sheer volume causes raised, red plaques covered with white scales. Psoriasis typically occurs on the knees, elbows, and scalp, and it can also affect the torso, palms, and soles of the feet. The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type you have.

What is the cause of guttate psoriasis?

It is possible to have strep throat or another viral or bacterial infection without exhibiting any symptoms, which is why guttate psoriasis sometimes appears "out of the blue." Guttate psoriasis can also have genetic causes. A person has an increased chance of developing the disease if it runs in the immediate family.